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Creator

Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868

Date

June 28, 1865

Text

Vassar Female College Poughkeepsie, N. Y. June 28th, 1865 Martin B Anderson … My … Char Pr It is my … to be … at the Junary Meeting of the Board of Trustees on the 9th …, but for fear my health may not permit, I take this … … to ask through you of the Board as special favor to myself and kind friend Rev. … Cekrow. pastor of the first … … … of this city … of the honorary degree of D. D. I am perfectly aware that these distinguished testimonials are too frequently confused where they are the... Show moreVassar Female College Poughkeepsie, N. Y. June 28th, 1865 Martin B Anderson … My … Char Pr It is my … to be … at the Junary Meeting of the Board of Trustees on the 9th …, but for fear my health may not permit, I take this … … to ask through you of the Board as special favor to myself and kind friend Rev. … Cekrow. pastor of the first … … … of this city … of the honorary degree of D. D. I am perfectly aware that these distinguished testimonials are too frequently confused where they are the least … and most … to one denominations favorite, but occasionallyOrig in Rush Rhees library, Univ of Rochester From the M B Anderson Collectionit may be policy to depart a little use no principle in compromised — I am certain that … as a demon nation of this city at least have word .. … many … that honor was confused upon the Rev. A. M. Manard, M. M. … is the successor of Doct Manard and … over the … & most …enticed congregation in this county, and such a apnt would be much to … the further influence of that … … portion of this community to … College intrust. It therefore no formable objection are raised at the meeting of your word it would be gratifying to one to have this confer the honor, With regard to the “Minimal Cabinet” of … I have had my mind … more … to the subject since the meeting, and especially since have seen the … left with Prof. M. P. Jewett — nothonored professing much expressed in that department of natural service … … be … to … my judgement, … is to say that I regard your … as very raw and such as cannot … command attention from the committee on … “ and I would those for advise this early … I remain dear for yours very respectfully M Vassar Orig in U. of Rochester Rush Rhees library Cop in cat set from the M B Anderson Collection Show less

Creator

Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868

Date

April 5, 1860

Text

Poughkeepsie April 5th I860 My Dear friend I am this morning in receipt of your verry kind note of the 26™ ultimo, what has detained it on its transit I know not, but ten days seems to remind one of our youth full days some 70 years ago, however, it is never too late to profit by your counsels, and altho1 I deeply regret that I cannot avail myself of them as fully as I could wish, yet it is encouraging to notice your kindness of doing what you can in aid of my contemplated enterprise. Would... Show morePoughkeepsie April 5th I860 My Dear friend I am this morning in receipt of your verry kind note of the 26™ ultimo, what has detained it on its transit I know not, but ten days seems to remind one of our youth full days some 70 years ago, however, it is never too late to profit by your counsels, and altho1 I deeply regret that I cannot avail myself of them as fully as I could wish, yet it is encouraging to notice your kindness of doing what you can in aid of my contemplated enterprise. Would that your health & other circumstances were at my entire service in this my purposed plans. I begin to feel the greater urgency in this my long cherrished object as I see and hear so many of my friends & relatives passing off from time into eternity, admonishing me that "whatever my hands findeth to do &cn to do quickly I notice you are progressing with your "University*1 buildings, how much I could desire to have the beni- fits of your valuable building stone, we have nothing of the kind within available distance, so we shall rear our whole Structure of Brick, of which we have abundant and off the best quality. Doct Babcock, Profr Jewett and a few other friends were out yesterday on a tour of examination for Locating our College, but have not definitely settled as yet upon the location. There are some indispensable considerations to be keep in view, vis. 1 . An airy & healthy situation 2 . An ample supply of good Water 3. facilities for cesdbs-pools & other) drainage) 4r Proximity to our city to insure easy ingress & egress, yet avoiding to much exposure or contact with the masses. 5 Sufficiently Elevated to command a fine prospect of our beau- tifull surroundings-----&—without bleakness.My own grounds r,Springsiden and nMillcoven embraces more or less of these several points, yet we find objections to both, our attention was then turned to other localities, but found none within our measure of fitness and price to warrant a purchase Next Week we make another examination with our Architect and hope then to decide upon the grounds* I shall be always happy to receive your counsels and advise, for I greatly need it, I am treading upon entirely new occupation to me, and fear less I make a misstep, therefore I shall always be extremely thankfull to receive advise from the friends of Education and progress in Knowledge throughout our Common Country As I am receiving many communications respecting my plans &c, you will excuse my haste in the acknowledgement of your valued kind now before me Yours very truly &c M Vassar (To Martin B. Anderson) Show less

Creator

Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868

Date

March 24, 1860

Text

Poughkeepsie March 24th = 60 ProfFM B Anderson Dear Sir It is an old adage that we cannot tell what a man is worth untill after he is dead, and we may add further, that, we cannot tell how many friends he will have untill he is near diying. they then cluster around him as close as the vine to its supporting trunk. I make these prefacotory remarks because you have doubtless seen in the late Journals of the day a "Bill11 reported under our legislature proceedings posting up my generosity,... Show morePoughkeepsie March 24th = 60 ProfFM B Anderson Dear Sir It is an old adage that we cannot tell what a man is worth untill after he is dead, and we may add further, that, we cannot tell how many friends he will have untill he is near diying. they then cluster around him as close as the vine to its supporting trunk. I make these prefacotory remarks because you have doubtless seen in the late Journals of the day a "Bill11 reported under our legislature proceedings posting up my generosity, which was quite as startling to me as to my friends with whom I had made confidents in certain matters pertaining to the future disposition of a portion of my Estate after my discease and which publicity was so at variance with all my previous expressed views and intentions, that they (some at least) have Show less

Creator

Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868

Date

January 28, 1864

Text

January 28 1864. Prof: M:B: Anderson L.L.D. My dear friend I am in receipt of your very kind and valued letter of the 25 Inst : and I scarcely know which most to approve, your sensible views upon the propriety of opening the College when the Building is finished or wait until our terrible national rebel- lion is put down. What we would gain on the one hand as you justly observe we might loose on the other, but shall use my endeavours to push forward the structure of the Building &... Show moreJanuary 28 1864. Prof: M:B: Anderson L.L.D. My dear friend I am in receipt of your very kind and valued letter of the 25 Inst : and I scarcely know which most to approve, your sensible views upon the propriety of opening the College when the Building is finished or wait until our terrible national rebel- lion is put down. What we would gain on the one hand as you justly observe we might loose on the other, but shall use my endeavours to push forward the structure of the Building & appendages as fast as pos- sible avoiding extraordinary outlays. It is one thing to do these things well looking to their future duribality and another thing doing them imperfectly. It is a massive structure of Masonry, all inside parti- tions walls solid brick work, and will take at least one Summer to season thoroughly the whole: Thus far have allowed no fires inside the building, the walls are drying gradually, but still there is a cold damp- ness which it will take all of a Summer to remove. If in case we should open the College before it was thoroughly dry and extraordinary cases of sickness happen to the inmates it would be at once ascribed to the location especially by those who generally wish to look on the wrong side of competitors doings. It is true we could hasten the drying of the interior walls by our Steam heaters apparatus which we have decided upon with the Gass works to be placed in a Seperate building 200 feet from the main and 75 below the foundation of the walls. These buildings will be located on the rear in line with the Astronomical Observatory now under construction. I am glad to.: hear that your judgment indorses the wisdom of any course in the matter of completing the Structure &c at once, when that is done, we shall not be troubled with workmen & others on the premises & thus avoid I think both expense and annoyances. Our Executive Committee are now making out a Schedule of Furnitures that is wanted with other equipments &c, including the Professional houses which by the bye the latter admits consideration whether the College had better furnish those apartments or the Professors; some of them(: if we have men:) may have furnitures & family , and if Widow Ladies Teachers some may be thus Situated, also they may not all be Single Women. This is a question (furniture) of some importance 1st The owner would allways take better care of their own property than other peoples. 2 There might be some objection to the lugging of Furniture to and from into the building in case of removal to say nothing of its fitness, cleanliness &c. 3d It (if furnished by the College) would somewhat reduce the annual pay of the respective chairs. You knew our first plan was to build seperate houses for the Pro- fessors on the College ground, leaving the only Officers President & family in the Building - but I will not enlarge as I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you so very soon and at my own domicil. I only add that in a conversation with Prof. Jewett the other day I believe he is half persua- ded to have all female Professorships & teacher if they are to be had of a high order. Let us all deliberate well upon this point. I regard it as a very important consideration. I send you pr mail a Sheet contain- ing an article from the Ladys Book January number, read it & let me know what you think of it. I remain* Yours very truly M. Vassar P.S. Call on your way on Monday upon Docr Magoon and take a look at his collections of Fine Arts, then you & him take the Cars at 3 P.M. and on your arrival at 6 o'clock take a Hack at Depot and come directly to my house M.V# Show less

Creator

Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868

Date

June 29, 1866

Text

Springside June 29.. 1866. M.B. Anderson L.L.D. My dear friend, I rise from a sick couch to read and answer your kind note of the 25.. current and after doing so I regret that I pressed your attendence at our last College Trustee meeting so urgently . as to call for so explanatory & satisfactory answer as I well knew the lively interest you take in our educational enterprise, and nothing but almost impossibilities would hinder your accustomed punctuality, which I can truthfully say has... Show moreSpringside June 29.. 1866. M.B. Anderson L.L.D. My dear friend, I rise from a sick couch to read and answer your kind note of the 25.. current and after doing so I regret that I pressed your attendence at our last College Trustee meeting so urgently . as to call for so explanatory & satisfactory answer as I well knew the lively interest you take in our educational enterprise, and nothing but almost impossibilities would hinder your accustomed punctuality, which I can truthfully say has not been my case as trustee in your Institution. -----But to return to the subject of our meeting - it was not merely your r valuable officials we needed, but y. social agreeable company-----Miss Germand felt the loss also as you were the only guest we had expected to entertain at our "Springside" domicil during the meeting-----Miss G. had prepared here good things she knew you liked, viz. Broiled chickens - Broiled ham, green peas, String beans collaflower &c for the first course hot-house grapes & peaches, strawberrys &c for the second course rinsed down with a little old Gooseberry, and a comfortable couch to rest your weary limbs at night. I do not state these things to aggravate y. disappoint- ment, but rather ours. But to return to the subject of your letter, I was sorry to hear of the death of Doct Culling Father - please to remember me to him in his afflictions* I cannot this morning give you further sketch of our last meeting. Will send you it in a few days - see N*Y. Times of the 27? Miss Germand joins in her best regard to you and yours. Ever & truly Y Friend M. VassarP.S. Miss G. insist that I shoud tell you my troubles on the day of Trustee Meeting, Well, after the business of the Board was finish., and the Evening exercises began in the Chapel I was taken with another slight attack of parralisis oblliging medical attendance and was bro home at nSpringsidetf am now doing well—- Yr? M.V. Show less

Creator

Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868

Date

January 19, 1864

Text

Poughkeepsie January 19tJl 1864, Prof: M.B. Anderson LLD My dear friend It is told of one just from Emerald Is^, that some dock sharper sold him an Owl for a parrot, in passing to his Boarding house a gentleman inquired of Pat what he had there, a parrot your honor, Well, can he talk much, not yet your honor but he will shortly be after it, for he keeps up a good deal of thinking. Now I am much in the same predicament as the Irishmans Parrot with large glossy eyes waiting for twilight to set... Show morePoughkeepsie January 19tJl 1864, Prof: M.B. Anderson LLD My dear friend It is told of one just from Emerald Is^, that some dock sharper sold him an Owl for a parrot, in passing to his Boarding house a gentleman inquired of Pat what he had there, a parrot your honor, Well, can he talk much, not yet your honor but he will shortly be after it, for he keeps up a good deal of thinking. Now I am much in the same predicament as the Irishmans Parrot with large glossy eyes waiting for twilight to set in so that I can see for I have been so long Surrounded with the brillancy of professional acuraen, that I have almost lost all my common Sense, Now that our College Edifice is drawing near to completion, and Outbuildings & ornamental grounds finished up or at least will be by the ensuing fall; The subject of fur- nishing & opening the College begins to engross our attention. We and physical possibly could by strong pressure of our mental muscles get prepared to fix the day on the Is*' September next, but this must be accomplished by stirring & active efforts and at the sacrifice of 30 to 40 per Cent advance for war prices on all its interior equipments, beds & bedding, furnitures, Kitchen & Culinary appendages; the question therefore to determine is shall we go on regardless of difference in values between peace & war times or wait quietly a year or two for the suppression of the rebellion & return of Specie Currency. True our assets (some of them) are inflated by this paper currency & will go down on the return of peace but not equal to the amount of other kind of values. Our Col- lege assets will now average an interest of 7 pc. Pr annum, would it last be wise therefore to take the eggs out of their nest & put them into Brickf Stone & Mortar. Prof Jewett is rather a "Young America", he is for going ahead, our Executive Committee with myself are for going slow, sure & Strong, looking forward not for one day only but for generations after us, that is lay our foundation so deep that it will endure for ages, not Kill the Goose for the sake of her golden egg. I suppose you have been informed by Prof. Jewett of our contemplated meeting next month, with its business objects, the chief of which will be the adoption of his plan of Organization, and perhaps there may be some attempts at Official appointments. Well, are you prepared to meet these questions. I shall oppose all appointment that involves Out=goes too early, and I am not so sure but some other system can be adopted whereby fixed emoluments to Professors & others may be substituted for a working sliding scale, it is much more easy to follow in the wake of old Customs, than to strike out new ones. The present age has unfolded if not new things a new way of doing old ones. Once the old Stage Coach had its rule of fares regulated according to the distance travelled, now the modern nOmnibussesn regards not space but fix the fares long or short at one price. The modern hotels charges for what you order not for what you eat, and the house is furnished by the owner with all its equipments to the Landlord, and he sails the ship, how would some such plan work for our College, the Trustees furnish & rent the buildings & appurtenances to one, two or more Pro- fessors or Educators at a certain percentage on each pupil over a minimum number. I have not fixed the Rule but it should necessarily be on a Sliding scale; on this principal also the Educational department may be based, similar to the present ''University" plan, impart to the pupils what learning they are able to pay for & give them Diplomas for what they have learnt. The truth is this age are rapidly throwing aside old forms & Customs and adopting systems more in harmony with the genius of the american people; but I have wrote enough to tire you I fear, allow me just to say that I have read your articles in the Examiner on the con- dition of english Society &c with much interest, and shall preserve them to read over again at another day. Hoping to see you at or before the February meeting I remain Truly yours M. Vassar PS. I have thrown out the above hints on the College Organization, Professors &c at random, because I know you to be well posted on these subjects, and may have learnt something during your late tour in Europe M.V.turn over When you come to the february meeting, please to make my domicil your quarters for the time being. If you take the Hudson River Cars on Monday I will meet you at the depot at any hour you name to arrive r ■ * I expect or at least shall invite D.. Magoon to be our guest on that occasion. Yours &c M V Show less

Creator

Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868

Date

July 5, 1855

Text

Poughkeepsie July 5, 1855 Prof M.B. Anderson My dear sir Since writing you yesterday and under circumstances deeply effecting my feelings h interests I have been led to reflect that the preremptory conclusion to which I arrived in reference to my futer duties and patronage towards yr Institution would tend to weaken yr efforts & dampen those of my associates Trustees at the coming session, and therefore avail myself of the earliest moment, to say that whatever measures may be adopted by... Show morePoughkeepsie July 5, 1855 Prof M.B. Anderson My dear sir Since writing you yesterday and under circumstances deeply effecting my feelings h interests I have been led to reflect that the preremptory conclusion to which I arrived in reference to my futer duties and patronage towards yr Institution would tend to weaken yr efforts & dampen those of my associates Trustees at the coming session, and therefore avail myself of the earliest moment, to say that whatever measures may be adopted by the Bord will be approved by me and pledge myself to do all in my power to promote & connsumate their highest wishes, I deeply regret the neccessity of my absence at the Anv^ session, but find it will be quite impossible for me to attend. With my best wishes for the prospect of the "University" and high regards to yourself. I remain yrs in haste M Vassar Show less

Creator

Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868

Date

January 26, 1859

Text

Rochester Jan 26th 1859 Dear Sir A constant pressure of work and a haunting nauseous headache have prevented me from writing you as soon as I had hoped. The subject of our conversations however has been before my mind some part of almost every day since. I beg leave to submit to you the following results of my reflection not indeed in a form to be incorporated into a will but in a form so clean I may hope, that you can readily understand any of the views which may commend themselves to your... Show moreRochester Jan 26th 1859 Dear Sir A constant pressure of work and a haunting nauseous headache have prevented me from writing you as soon as I had hoped. The subject of our conversations however has been before my mind some part of almost every day since. I beg leave to submit to you the following results of my reflection not indeed in a form to be incorporated into a will but in a form so clean I may hope, that you can readily understand any of the views which may commend themselves to your judgment. I. It seems to me that the buildings or a great part of them should be erected from the interest of the fund, should they not be erected by yourself previous to your decease such buildings should be erected slowly to secure solidity in the foundations and walls and freedom from shrinkage in the wood work. The whole of the buildings will hardly be needed at first. The ultimate success of an institution of learning requires that it advance to its maturity by a somewhat gradual process, so that its formative laws and development may easily be controlled and determined. Many experiments must be tried in every new Institution before the best possible results can be known and settled experience obtained by teachers in other places Show less

Creator

Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868

Date

July 19, 1856

Text

Poughkeepsie July 19 1856 Prof M B Anderson Dear Sir On my return from N Y City last evening found your verry kind letter of the 14"1 inst inclosing back the $10 Bank Note remitted you from N- Falls to pay the mechanical expenses of Doclr Mann? Diploma. Being ignorant of the common usuages in matters pertaining to Colledge Honary degrees, must be my appology for the special application in the present instance. With your explannation & official announcement to the recipient, with his... Show morePoughkeepsie July 19 1856 Prof M B Anderson Dear Sir On my return from N Y City last evening found your verry kind letter of the 14"1 inst inclosing back the $10 Bank Note remitted you from N- Falls to pay the mechanical expenses of Doclr Mann? Diploma. Being ignorant of the common usuages in matters pertaining to Colledge Honary degrees, must be my appology for the special application in the present instance. With your explannation & official announcement to the recipient, with his express assurance that such a document was unanticipated & unnessary, imposes upon me a renewed obligation of thanks for your generous & obliging proposition to consult nevertheless my wishes in the premises. You have no occasion therefore to prepare the diploma. Perhaps in no instance in the course of my life, have I been more gratified in a complement confer, upon a friend, and I may add with propriety in no instance will it be more highly appreciated, and redound more to the credit of our University. I am aware that popularity is not always identical with greatness, but in this case we have secured a good degree of both His large circle of Religious & citizens friends have been highly delighted with the appointment, and many enquiry made of the source from whence this unexpected honor emanated- It has awakened new enquiry about our Institution and given fresh interest beyond the pale of our own denomination. &c "The Examiner11 of this Week gives us a brief synopsis of the Anniverary Commencement but have to notice a typographical error in the Doctors degrees - in the name of "Mason" for "Mann" which should be early corrected. What particuliar pleases Doc^ Mann is the fact that his friends had made several unsuccessfull applications for this honor at the "Rutgers Colledge" (where he graduated, (instead of "Princeton" as stated by me) althosubsequently tendered him he repeatedly declined and esteem^ it the more highly coming from an "University" of another denomination, than from a Colledge of his own persuasion &c Only regreting our limited time would not allow a participation in the social festivities of the Wed^ Evening of our departure (at your house) I subscribe myself Yours verry truly & Respectfully &c M. Vassar Show less

Creator

Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868

Date

May 7, 1861

Text

Poughkeepsie May 7 1861 M. B. Anderson L.L.D. Dear Sir I have enclosed to your address per Mail this P.M a Copy of the proceedings, of the Trustees of the V*F. College at thier first meeting 26 February 1861, also a sample sheet of Let- ter circulars, both of which we think handsomely executed. We are taking all the preliminary steps to commence the Col- lege buildings, have enclosed by fencing in an area of some 6 acres of ground for the Cite, made our contracts with the Builder and... Show morePoughkeepsie May 7 1861 M. B. Anderson L.L.D. Dear Sir I have enclosed to your address per Mail this P.M a Copy of the proceedings, of the Trustees of the V*F. College at thier first meeting 26 February 1861, also a sample sheet of Let- ter circulars, both of which we think handsomely executed. We are taking all the preliminary steps to commence the Col- lege buildings, have enclosed by fencing in an area of some 6 acres of ground for the Cite, made our contracts with the Builder and architect__ the former in the sum of $178,200, and latter $5300, this last includes all plans & drawings and Superintendance of the Work untill Completed. We propose to carry up the foundation walls to the first tier of beams this season, the following to enclose the building, the third season finish ready for occupancy in the fall of !63. Some delay have occured on account of (over) our national troubles, imparing seriously the market value of our as setts. The most depressed of these we propose to lay asside, .and use only such as will result in the least sacrifice. Were it not that our expenses for sallaried officers &c has been incurred amounting to some $5000 per annum and our contracts for the Buildings made, (altho* the time of commencing them is discretionally at the option of the Committee) We might reasonaly halt. I think according to the present market value of our as setts we may place to profit & loss accounts up to the present time $75,000. We can put up the first Storey of the Building at a cost of about $23,000 including first tier of beams. To meet this expendure we shall have an income from interest accounts this year of $24,000. Less sallered Officers &c 5 000 " 19,000 Leaving a deficit on this Year a/c $4000 A crisis is now upon us, wether to halt untill the issue of our national troubles are settled, or to proceed, in one respect the turn of public affairs will be to (over) the advantage of the contractor, enabling him to buy his materials at reduced prices, also labour will be cheaper, and we may also avail ourselves of a cheap rate of interest, by hypothe- cating our Securities (instead of selling) to the amount sufficient to put up the buildings, these and other considerations we have duly weigh, and final resulted in our determination to proceed with the work. How are you progressing with your "University11 Buildings?what proportion of the inside or interior work is Completed £ Does these stiring times disturb the patronage of the Institution $" I predict that after our national troubles are amicably adjusted our northeran educational estab- lishment will be better sustained by our Southeran friends than ever. Please to let me hear from you at your earliest convienaace, Yours verry Respectfully &c P.S. Our Sect.r C Swan Esq will send you a package of College pamplts in a few days M Vassar Show less

Creator

Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868

Date

May 8, 1860

Text

Poughkeepsie May 8th 1860 Prof M B Anderson Dear Sir Availing myself of your former kindness in my con- templated "Female CollegeH schemes, I take the liberty to seek some information respecting a young gentleman formerly of your City but now engaged in this, in the instruction of young men for commercial pursuits of life, but who cannot afford the expense of a regular Colle- giate Education &c My motive in making this enquiry is with reference to his employment as an assistant to me... Show morePoughkeepsie May 8th 1860 Prof M B Anderson Dear Sir Availing myself of your former kindness in my con- templated "Female CollegeH schemes, I take the liberty to seek some information respecting a young gentleman formerly of your City but now engaged in this, in the instruction of young men for commercial pursuits of life, but who cannot afford the expense of a regular Colle- giate Education &c My motive in making this enquiry is with reference to his employment as an assistant to me in my office matters during the pro- or less gress of the College construction, having more leasure he could render these me all the services needed from xjcxxxx hours, without encroaching materialy upon his own engagements. Will you please to inform me wether you or your friends are acquainted with this Young Gentleman (H.G. Eastman) and his antecedents. I understand his Parents reside in your City. There is rather a calm at present in our Colledge movements. We are waiting for some new plans of buildings, also negotiating for more ground adjoining HMillcoven where we have pretty much concluded to locate the Institution. I am receiving numerous expressions of congratulations from various sources (public and private) for my contemplated enterprise with many suggestions touching the working part of the scheme, &c When I get all the building designs completed would like you to see them with reference to your approval, knowing that you possess the faculity of estimating our wants. We wish to avoid if possible the too frequent custom of building in haste, and where a long life of penitence cannot afford relief-fee-* At your early convenience please to let me hear from you. Yours very truly &c M Vassar 1S& Show less

Creator

Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868

Date

July 9, 1859

Text

Poughkeepsie July 9, 1859 M B Anderson L.L. D My very dear Friend You doubtless have learned thro1 some Channel of my ill health, soon after your visit to Po, last January I was seized with a slight attack of parilisis and without going into the details, suffice to say that its effects still remains in my system especialy in the mental organs. 1 have placed myself under the care of the ablest Physicians in our State (Messr Doct Packer, & Clark of the City of N York) but cannot say that 1... Show morePoughkeepsie July 9, 1859 M B Anderson L.L. D My very dear Friend You doubtless have learned thro1 some Channel of my ill health, soon after your visit to Po, last January I was seized with a slight attack of parilisis and without going into the details, suffice to say that its effects still remains in my system especialy in the mental organs. 1 have placed myself under the care of the ablest Physicians in our State (Messr Doct Packer, & Clark of the City of N York) but cannot say that 1 have yet derived much benefit from their advice or treatment, the fact is the chief difficulty lies in the brain, which is beyond the power of medicine to reach. My general health is good and if it continues to hold out a year or so I may yet regain my mental strenght. I leave home on Monday with ray Nephew for the sea shore, either Newport or Long Branch. It would afforded me much pleasure to have attended your Commencement, seated near at hand, but that is impossible as my mind and body requires repose. My dear friend & former Pastor of our C B Church of this City has written you in behalf of Henry H. Fay wishing the bestowment of the Hon^ degree A.M. Master of Arts and have solicited me to address you on the subject. I have no claim upon the University Bord for this favor, nevertheless it would gratify me much if your faculty could consistently confer such degree at your present annual term, you doubtless, are acquainted with him as he visited your Institution several times while his Brother William was at Rochester. Please to say to your Hon. Mr Sage that I paid my note of $1000 with interest given to your Bord a year or so ago. With my most sincere desire for the prosperity of the Institution which you have the honF to represent I remain dr Sir Very truly Yours in haste M Vassar Show less

Creator

Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868

Date

March 3, 1856

Text

Po'keepsie March 3d 1856 M B Anderson L..L.D. Dear Sir Refering to the closing part of our last con- versation at my Office, you kindly profered to aid us in the pro- curement of a Pastor for our C B Church of this city, & suggested at the time the name of the Rev. Mr Lincon Utica, and also a Young Man of promising merit, a graduate of the Theological Department of the University at Rochester, the latter of whom, you thought could be obtained and if so, would fullfil all our wishes... Show morePo'keepsie March 3d 1856 M B Anderson L..L.D. Dear Sir Refering to the closing part of our last con- versation at my Office, you kindly profered to aid us in the pro- curement of a Pastor for our C B Church of this city, & suggested at the time the name of the Rev. Mr Lincon Utica, and also a Young Man of promising merit, a graduate of the Theological Department of the University at Rochester, the latter of whom, you thought could be obtained and if so, would fullfil all our wishes Ike Will you do me the favour -to- info rm what the result of your investigations have been upon the subject. I remain Verry Respectfully - Yrs Jkc M. Vassar Show less

Creator

Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868

Date

June 18, 1866

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Springside - Po - 18*/} June '66 M. B. Anderson LuL.D. My dear Sir I have yours of the llvi inst and much regret to notice an intimation that it were possible that circumstances would not allow you to attend our meeting on the 2$¥} current- It certainly would not be proper to urge or insist upon your attendance in view of your past promptness - yet I do hope you will not fail as the meeting is one of great importance- I cannot now explain particulars, suffice to say, your place cannot be... Show moreSpringside - Po - 18*/} June '66 M. B. Anderson LuL.D. My dear Sir I have yours of the llvi inst and much regret to notice an intimation that it were possible that circumstances would not allow you to attend our meeting on the 2$¥} current- It certainly would not be proper to urge or insist upon your attendance in view of your past promptness - yet I do hope you will not fail as the meeting is one of great importance- I cannot now explain particulars, suffice to say, your place cannot be supplied----- If you will come I will meet you at the !!Depon H.R.R. by stating the Train you will come in, or if you have company will see you at the College,- We are now located at "Springs iden~ and always have a spare bed and a spare plate for you. Yrs truly &c M. Vassar Miss Germand sends her kind regards &c Show less

Creator

Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868

Date

July 5, 1865

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Springside----- Mori July 5**1 1865 Martin B. Anderson L.L.D. My dear Sir I have been purposing if it were possible to accompany our friend Hon. W. Kelly in the 11. . University Com- mencement, as it would be most probabil the last opportunity in view of my health and advanced years, but am so much troubled with a weakness in the spine of my back that I fear I shall not be able to participate the pleasure- I have written to Doct, Millard Parker N.Y. this Morning asking him if he cannot... Show moreSpringside----- Mori July 5**1 1865 Martin B. Anderson L.L.D. My dear Sir I have been purposing if it were possible to accompany our friend Hon. W. Kelly in the 11. . University Com- mencement, as it would be most probabil the last opportunity in view of my health and advanced years, but am so much troubled with a weakness in the spine of my back that I fear I shall not be able to participate the pleasure- I have written to Doct, Millard Parker N.Y. this Morning asking him if he cannot prescribe some relief as I can scarcely walk a rood without sitting down. We are expect- ing here at 10'O'ck this morning Miss Lyman of Montreal but shall have to put her under the care of DF. R s to visit the College as the slightest physical exertion gives me much pain- I hope our friends will be in good attendance at your Anniversary Commencement. With my best regards to you. & your Lady I remain truly & Respectfully Yours &c M. Vassar Show less

Creator

Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868

Date

July 4, 1855

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Poughkeepsie July 4, 1855 Prof. M. B. Anderson My dear Sir I have this moment received your kind (private) note of the 30. ultimo, urging my attendance at the coming Anna^ Session of the Bord of Trustees of the "University of Rochester" on the 10""1 inst, to which I hasten to reply and to say, that, it will be utterly impossible under existing circumstances to he present on that occasion without serious loss and inconvenience. In the midst of an unusual press, of private... Show morePoughkeepsie July 4, 1855 Prof. M. B. Anderson My dear Sir I have this moment received your kind (private) note of the 30. ultimo, urging my attendance at the coming Anna^ Session of the Bord of Trustees of the "University of Rochester" on the 10""1 inst, to which I hasten to reply and to say, that, it will be utterly impossible under existing circumstances to he present on that occasion without serious loss and inconvenience. In the midst of an unusual press, of private engagements which requires my personal attention at home at this time, there are other special causes (com- mencing their work this day) which renders my presence doubly indis- pensable. Of course I refer to the opperation of the imfamous "Pro- hibiting Liquor Law" upon our large extended Companys buisness, which has overtaken us in such a summary manner, and with such sweeping distruction to that interest (if ultimately enforced) as to paralise at least.for the time being all further efforts of a public bene- volent character----- I deeply regret the neccessity of this appology, but the time has now come to watch more closely our secular rights and legaly protect them from the grasp of (as Daniel Lord Eqr and other eminent jurist of our state have said) "a despotic unwarrantable, unconstitutional & arbitary Law" which enactment since the last sitting sun has deprived its citizens of millions of dollars of their hard earned property, without compensation,-— Declaring by a judicial stroke of the pen that on this bright day morn of the 79 year of our national Independance a business which has had the sanction of ages as part of the trade & taxed paying property of the world and recog- nised as moral, lawfull, and respectable, and stamped with Divine authority, now this morning declared not only not property, but a public nuisance, and a misdemeanor in traffic, subject to*seisure, confiscation & destruction & that without remidy followd by fines & imprisonments -- Pardon me my dear sir for this digression from the subject of your esteemed note. The excitements of this day with its consequences must be my appology. Please to deliver the enclosed ($50) check to my esteemed young friend Wi^W. Fay, with my best wishes for an hoir. testimonial in his closing collegiate course. With much Respect I remain Yours &c M Vassar Show less

Creator

Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868

Date

July 2, 1856

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Poughkeepsie July 2.. 1856 Prof M B Anderson My dear Sir Your special invitation of the 27th ultimo for me to attend the approaching Anniv^ Session of the Bord of Trustees of the University of Rochester to be holden on the 8 and 9 inst was received just in time to countermand my answer to the Sec^ circular letter of invitation,--informing him that owing to the pressure of my private engagements at this busy season it would be extremely incon- venient for me to be present on that occasion, but... Show morePoughkeepsie July 2.. 1856 Prof M B Anderson My dear Sir Your special invitation of the 27th ultimo for me to attend the approaching Anniv^ Session of the Bord of Trustees of the University of Rochester to be holden on the 8 and 9 inst was received just in time to countermand my answer to the Sec^ circular letter of invitation,--informing him that owing to the pressure of my private engagements at this busy season it would be extremely incon- venient for me to be present on that occasion, but since the receipt of your note before me, I have concluded to lay aside all private business and say to you that if Providence permit I will be there on Monday evening next, accompanied with my friend Prof M C Jewett of the "Cottage Hill Seminary" of this City, and altho1 my friends at Rochester have kindly invited us to take apartments with them--We prefer to go to a Public house, and you will oblige by securing us comfortable quar- ters at the Eagle Tavern or any other your best Houses - Yours very Respectfully M Vassar Show less

Creator

Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868

Date

July 10, 1856

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Niagara July 10th 1856 Pres, M B Anderson D.D My dear Sir/ I owe you an appology in parting so suddenly after the Festival Dinner of Yesterday, but upon recconing up our time, found it too short to tarry longer at Rochester, and visit other points to reach home by Satturday Evening, so we left by the p.m. train yesterday. Enclosed you have $10 note of the F & Manufactus Bank # to pay for the Rev A. M. Manns Diploma which perquisite I presume you will be entitled to and when ready please... Show moreNiagara July 10th 1856 Pres, M B Anderson D.D My dear Sir/ I owe you an appology in parting so suddenly after the Festival Dinner of Yesterday, but upon recconing up our time, found it too short to tarry longer at Rochester, and visit other points to reach home by Satturday Evening, so we left by the p.m. train yesterday. Enclosed you have $10 note of the F & Manufactus Bank # to pay for the Rev A. M. Manns Diploma which perquisite I presume you will be entitled to and when ready please to enclose to me, as I wish to present it to my friend without charge. Prof. Jewett unites in bearing testimony to the very interesting & crediable exercises & cordial civilities, connected with your "Uni- versity" Commencement of Yesterday, and much regret we could not had leasure to have accepted of your kind Invitation of last evening. Yours very truly & Respectfully M Vassar Show less